How to Estimate Your Daily Heating Oil Use

Let Kimlin Help You Manage Heating Costs

There’s no crystal ball when it comes to predicting your energy costs each winter. The weather is a big factor—and Hudson Valley winters can be long and raw. Of course, the global market for crude oil also plays a role in the price you pay per gallon, but a number of factors can affect how much heating oil you might use on a daily basis, and some of them you can even control! As a general rule of thumb, a heating system that’s running properly should use between 0.8 and 1.7 gallons of oil per hour during cold weather. But every home is different: High efficiency heating equipment in a well-sealed and well-insulated home will use less fuel than an aging boiler or furnace in a drafty house, no matter how cold it gets. Improving efficiency is a proven way to keep your daily fuel use on the low side of that range.

Save Energy, Stay Cozy

When you say “save energy” some people think the only option is turning down the thermostat and layering on the sweaters instead of feeling comfortable in their home. Of course, that’s one way to do it, but a smarter way to stay warm all season while keeping heating costs under control is by making it easier for your furnace or boiler to do its job. The harder it has to work to warm your home, the more fuel it will burn. (That’s why good insulation improves efficiency.) Here are some easy, no- and low-cost ways you can improve efficiency—and reduce your daily heating oil use:

• Reverse the direction of ceiling fans to keep heated air down where you can feel it. You may find that you can lower the thermostat!
• Use your smart thermostat or programmable thermostat to adjust the temperature based on your schedule. Setting it for a lower temperature night, when you’re under the covers, and when you’re out all day, can have a significant impact of heating costs.
• A weekend of DIY projects, like sealing up drafts with caulking, weatherstripping and expanding foam, can help save you 20% or more on heating costs.
• Change the filter in your heating system. A dirty air filter can restrict air flow, making your heating equipment work harder to heat your home. That uses more fuel and increases bills.
• It’s never too late to schedule seasonal maintenance for your heating equipment. A tune-up keeps your heating equipment running smoothly, so it will use less fuel to keep your home warm. Our service technicians check for and fix problems that can decrease performance and efficiency, or that could lead to breakdowns, no-heat emergencies, and expensive repairs.

If your heating equipment is old or breaks down frequently, investing in a new, high-efficiency heating system can drastically cut energy costs, while improving your comfort for years—and improving the value of your home. Kimlin’s experts can help you choose the best equipment for your needs and your budget.

More Ways to Save

We also offer plenty of options to help you manage costs no matter what happens with prices or how cold it gets. Our EZ Pay Advantage Plan spreads home heating oil costs over 12 months, so you can avoid bills that spike in the winter. We also offer a Pre Buy Plan that lets you lock in your price by buying your fuel for the year upfront, and Price Cap plan lets you lock in a set price for the season. Both the pre buy and fixed place programs are closed for the current season, but ask us to alert you when you can sign up next year.

The Bottom Line

No matter how much heating oil you may need, you want a company that puts customers first. That inherently means offering fair, transparent pricing, but it also means offering true reliability, with products and services designed to make your life easier. Find out why so many homeowners and businesses throughout the Hudson Valley area trust Kimlin. Contact us for more information or to schedule a delivery today.